Miracle on Leake Street Returns: 6-9pm 15/12/2022

Whatever’s going on in the wider world, even the Grinchiest of Londoners can’t steal Christmas! Miracle on Leake Street (the free event that sees London’s longest graffiti tunnel transformed into the Capital’s alternative festive celebration) returns to Waterloo on Thursday 15th December for its fourth year.

• Free Christmas Street Party on Thursday 15th Dec from 6pm to 9pm

• Held in the graffiti tunnel at Leake Street Arches in Waterloo

• Run by WeAreWaterloo and Southbank BID with support from with local businesses and organisations

• Event begins with a Cabaret performance from the award-winning, non-binary artist – Pi the Mime

• The night centres around a screening of ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’

• Other free activities include a wreath-making workshop, festive face-painting and craft market

• Food and drink available from Lower Marsh Market traders and Leake Street Arches bars and restaurants

• Donations collected throughout the night will be given to Waterloo Foodbank

On Thursday 15th December, the Waterloo community will once again lead this alternative Christmas celebration that will leave even the most Grinchiest of Londoners “all toasty inside”.

The evening will begin with a Cabaret performance from the award-winning, non-binary artist, Pi the Mime. Guests can then wrap up in a blanket, take their seats (well, deckchairs) and enjoy a screening of ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’.

Throughout the evening there will be wreath-making workshops, festive face-painting, street food stalls, a mulled wine bar, and market stalls run by local craft traders (perfect for finding that unique Christmas gift). Contributions from the wreath making workshop and donations made throughout the evening will go to Waterloo Foodbank.

Leake Street Arches is normally a world away from the traditional fireplace setting but with live music, costumes, (and even snow!) the festive tone will soon be set. Activities, led by local creatives and businesses, will include:

• Wreath Workshops- Community Gardener, Frances Ward, will run her much-loved wreath-making workshops. For a small donation (given to Waterloo Foodbank), attendees can take their bespoke creations home with them.

• Festive Facepainting - It's in Your Dreams will add a touch of sparkle with free glitter face painting.

• Craft Market - creatives from Lower Marsh Market will provide those wanting to ‘support small’ and ‘shop local’ with a Christmas gift inspiration (including art, homewares, jewellery, and clothing).

• Festive Food and Drink - will be available from both Lower Marsh Market traders (who will be serving up a range of international dishes) as well as Leake Street Arches bars and restaurants (including Banh Bao Brothers, Draughts, Mamuska and Passyunk Avenue).

So, if you know someone whose heart might be “two sizes too small" bring them along to Miracle on Leake Street where they will learn that Christmas “doesn’t come from a store” but in fact “means a little bit more”!